VoiceThread.com and the VoiceThread mobile app are free tools that allow a user to upload media artifacts, add voice annotation, and share for feedback from others. VoiceThread creates a collaborative, interactive environment where the creator can upload images, documents, and video that allows others to post comments via phone, typing text, audio recording, or video recording. Users can also doodle while commenting to highlight areas and emphasize key points. Slideshow-like presentations can be shared via email, embedded on other websites, or exported to MP3 players.
Using VoiceThread in the classroom provides teachers and students with an engaging means to communicate, collaborate, and create with others from around the world. In addition, it provides users with an opportunity to not just learn about the world, but to learn with the world.
Benefits of Tool or App
asynchronous meetings (post anytime, anywhere)
communication and collaboration across the world
easy to use
allows for thinking before actually submitting comments
may use a landline or mobile phone for commenting
interactive
free account includes 3 voicethreads with up to 50 slides each, unlimited voice and text comments, and 30 minutes of webcam commenting time
Constraints of Tool or App
users must be 13+ for an account
may only create 3 free voicethreads and an additional 5 may be purchased for $2.99
may only create groups with a paid account
educator accounts that allow for 50 student accounts is $79 per year
need a network connection; preferably wi-fi
mobile app is limited to text, audio, and video recording
How To Use Tool or App
To create a VoiceThread, first one must create an account with a valid email address. Below are instructions for creating a VoiceThread using VoiceThread.com and the VoiceThread mobile app.
1. Click the "create" tab and choose your upload options (computer, URL of media file, web cam record, camera photo gallery, or media sources (flickr or facebook). In the mobile app, click the "+" sign.
2. Choose your files and click upload for each file chosen.
3. Once the chosen media is displayed click the "comment" button, choose your method of commenting (phone, voice, text, video), and make your comments. You may draw on the media as you comment using the mouse or your finger if using a device with touch screen capabilities. Click "Save". (Repeat for each media file uploaded)
4. Once comments are made for each slide, click "Share". This allows you to get a link that can be copied and pasted in an email or to get an embed code for posting on a website. By sharing, others will now be able to comment on your creation.
5. To comment on another user's VoiceThread follow step 3 above.
Click the link below for an excellent resource on setting up VoiceThread for use in the classroom. You will also find screenshots to help with creating your own VoiceThread.
Original Artifact of Tool or App (created by someone in your house)
Click picture below to view an example of a VoiceThread.
Classroom Uses for Tool or App
Student Examples
Digital Collages: Students can upload photos to create a theme related collage.
Digital Penpals Project: Students can collaborate on projects with students from different parts of the world.
Digital Stories: Students can create digital stories from the point of view of others (ie. historical figures, literary characters)
Document lab experiments and other process steps: Students can document any project that requires a step by step process, upload to VoiceThread and narrate the process.
Classroom Debate: Students can use VoiceThread as a no-pressure environment to participate in a debate. Posts can be carefully constructed before posting to the thread.
Teacher Examples
Discussion lesson starter: Post a picture or video clip to activate prior knowledge and have students log-in prior to the lesson to respond. Pose an essential question and revisit the thread at the end of the lesson to check for understanding.
Flip the classroom: Use VoiceThread to capture lectures and share with students before class. Students who are absent can also benefit.
Present problems for students to add solutions: Allows the student and the teacher to see various methods for solving the same problem.
Present various topics for student discussion
Present professional development via VoiceThread where others can collaboratively engage in discussions
Description of Tool or App
VoiceThread.com and the VoiceThread mobile app are free tools that allow a user to upload media artifacts, add voice annotation, and share for feedback from others. VoiceThread creates a collaborative, interactive environment where the creator can upload images, documents, and video that allows others to post comments via phone, typing text, audio recording, or video recording. Users can also doodle while commenting to highlight areas and emphasize key points. Slideshow-like presentations can be shared via email, embedded on other websites, or exported to MP3 players.
Using VoiceThread in the classroom provides teachers and students with an engaging means to communicate, collaborate, and create with others from around the world. In addition, it provides users with an opportunity to not just learn about the world, but to learn with the world.
Benefits of Tool or App
Constraints of Tool or App
How To Use Tool or App
To create a VoiceThread, first one must create an account with a valid email address. Below are instructions for creating a VoiceThread using VoiceThread.com and the VoiceThread mobile app.
1. Click the "create" tab and choose your upload options (computer, URL of media file, web cam record, camera photo gallery, or media sources (flickr or facebook). In the mobile app, click the "+" sign.
2. Choose your files and click upload for each file chosen.
3. Once the chosen media is displayed click the "comment" button, choose your method of commenting (phone, voice, text, video), and make your comments. You may draw on the media as you comment using the mouse or your finger if using a device with touch screen capabilities. Click "Save". (Repeat for each media file uploaded)
4. Once comments are made for each slide, click "Share". This allows you to get a link that can be copied and pasted in an email or to get an embed code for posting on a website. By sharing, others will now be able to comment on your creation.
5. To comment on another user's VoiceThread follow step 3 above.
Click the link below for an excellent resource on setting up VoiceThread for use in the classroom. You will also find screenshots to help with creating your own VoiceThread.
VoiceThread Resource
Original Artifact of Tool or App (created by someone in your house)
Click picture below to view an example of a VoiceThread.
Classroom Uses for Tool or App
Student Examples
Digital Collages: Students can upload photos to create a theme related collage.
Digital Penpals Project: Students can collaborate on projects with students from different parts of the world.
Digital Stories: Students can create digital stories from the point of view of others (ie. historical figures, literary characters)
Document lab experiments and other process steps: Students can document any project that requires a step by step process, upload to VoiceThread and narrate the process.
Classroom Debate: Students can use VoiceThread as a no-pressure environment to participate in a debate. Posts can be carefully constructed before posting to the thread.
Teacher Examples
Discussion lesson starter: Post a picture or video clip to activate prior knowledge and have students log-in prior to the lesson to respond. Pose an essential question and revisit the thread at the end of the lesson to check for understanding.
Flip the classroom: Use VoiceThread to capture lectures and share with students before class. Students who are absent can also benefit.
Present problems for students to add solutions: Allows the student and the teacher to see various methods for solving the same problem.
Present various topics for student discussion
Present professional development via VoiceThread where others can collaboratively engage in discussions
Student VoiceThread Examples
100 Ways to Use VoiceThread in Education